Optimal design of optically side-pumped lasers

A ray-tracing algorithm is used to determine the pump-absorption distribution, and the mode-coupling efficiencies to specific transverse modes are calculated. We develop a model for optimizing the pumping geometry for an optical side-pumped laser medium. Analytic and numerical results are given for the case of TEM/sub 00/ laser output arising from a few examples of Gaussian pumping. We also model the performance of a close-coupled, side-pumped configuration that is found in numerous recent high-power laser-diode-pumped solid-state lasers. A particular advantage of this system approach is that it allows characterization and selection of pump configurations before fabrication of the pump cavity.